Fukushima Race 11 - #10 Dark Page
This honest filly missed the frame when fresh from a spell last start, but we are giving her another chance.
That first-up run was in similar grade. She had to slide forward from a tricky draw and was prominent deep into the race but was swamped late, finishing fifth. Second up she is yet to miss the frame from three runs, including a win, and her best form is at this trip. Leading rider Keita Tozaki takes over today and with improvement on her first up figure, which she is capable of, she is expected to go close this time in a wide-open race.
Speedy galloper T M Tokkyu led throughout to score at his last run before a break and looks a big threat fresh from a spell. He has strong form for this and is drawn to be handy from the outset. Perhaps the only worry is that he tends to be better after one run back.
Hanshin Dirt Race 7 - #2 Premium Smile
This is a free running filly who returned from a 12-week spell last start in a similar race to today's assignment. Sent out as warm favourite, she bounced straight to the lead and looked the winner on the bend but found a couple better late in proceedings. This is just the second time in her career she has raced more than once in a preparation; her other second-up effort saw her win by 5 lengths at this course and distance.
Cristian Demuro takes over today, and he should dictate terms and boot this consistent three-year-old home.
The danger is Metal God who has recently put together a couple of minor placings over shorter trips. He has a win and a fourth from his two tries at 1800m so expect him to be thereabouts again.
Hanshin Race 11 - #9 Soft Fruit
The Listed Andromeda Stakes is an open betting race and this mare from the Saito yard should go around at a reasonable price.
She returned from a spell last start over 2200m at Niigata but after getting back to last on the turn she was never a factor and finished midfield. The five-year-old's form last preparation reads very well for a race of this calibre. The pick of the runs was second-up when she was beaten just 2.6 lengths into fourth in the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup, an outstanding form line. Another highlight was a third in the Grade 3 Mermaid Stakes over today's course and distance. A repeat of either of those efforts should put her in the winner's circle.
Deep Monster returns from a short spell and, if fit and well, is a threat. He has not won for 21 months and clearly has some issues, but his best efforts more than measure up.
Tokyo Dirt Race 7 - #3 T M Atom
This genuine entire from the Ishikuri stable finds a suitable assignment this afternoon and can add to his fine record this campaign.
His last two runs have been over today's track and distance. He stalked the pace and won with authority two runs back then again raced handy only to find a couple marginally better last time. Starting from barrier three today is the key to his chances. The draw hasn't been kind generally; in fact, the four-year-old has only come out of a gate closer than ten once in his last six runs, and that was two back when he cruised to victory. Regular jockey Kyosuke Maruta will ensure he enjoys the perfect passage today and he will prove very tough to overcome.
Annunciation has not raced since finishing a well-beaten fifth two months ago over 1800m as 7/2 favourite. Remarkably, that is the longest price this entire has started at in his 12 starts, with just two wins in that time. Sure to be popular again, and at his best is a significant danger.
